Front globe sight adjustment Lyman Deerstalker

[ScottK]

I found a really nice older Lyman Deerstalker that I’m setting up for my son to hunt with. It has never been fired and still has the original nipple cap strung to the trigger guard.

As an added bonus, it came fitted with the Lyman front and rear 57SML globe peep sights.

Other than needing a good cleaning (it’s been sitting in a safe for years) I noticed that the front sight is a good 1/16” off to the right. Not sure how well the below pics illustrate it but you can take my word for it I guess.

Is there a recommended tool for this? I’m very comfortable with tools and gunsmithing, and have used sight pushers on Glock pistols. Just never on an older ML.

Any advice would be appreciated. I figured I’d ask here first before doing something stupid like taking a hammer to it and/or breaking something.

 

[64Springer]

Could be an optical illusion, but the sight looks canted to me.

Buggered up/out of square dovetail?

 

[ScottK]

I saw that as well when I posted the pics. It’s definitely not canted. It’s some sort of illusion in the pictures.

 

[LME]

Could be an optical illusion, but the sight looks canted to me.

Buggered up/out of square dovetail?

It also may have to be where it is? I would test fire the rifle before I did anything to the sights. Then you will know if it needs to be moved.

 

[leadhoarder]

Brass punch directly to the dovetail area. Do not tap the globe.

 

[Bad Karma]

What @leadhoarder said. Use a brass punch and a hammer. Its been my experience that if the hammer doesn’t work it’s an electrical problem.

 

[Greg Y]

I just fit one of these a few weeks ago. The advice to drift is sound. If it does not want to go home, drift it out and wipe the bottom with a fine file which will decrease tension in the dovetail....but as said, do shoot it first.

 

[kansas_volunteer]

The brass punch idea came immediately to mind when reading post #1. Do it.

I'd center the rear sight when testing then move the front sight, if needed, until you're hitting center.

 

[morehops52]

I've had sights that appeared to be "off". Before I moved them I went to the range to figure out just how much they needed moved. Sometimes found out that they were right on the money and no adjustment needed. Sometimes not. Shoot first, adjust second.

 

[webfeet]

As others have said, brass punch to the dovetail and *not* the globe. I have installed a couple of these globes. If it is super stuck, you can use a three sided file with one side ground smooth to open the sight dovetail (not the barrel dovetail). I am pretty sure if it is on that much, it just needs so additional taps to center it. Work slowly and hold the punch firmly so it doesn't slide off and mark the barrel. I use a piece of leather or a soft plastic auto body filler squeegee between the sight and the punch to protect the dovetail from getting brass marks.

 

[ScottK]

Follow up to this story and another question…..

The rifle wound up back in the safe untouched since it was too late in the season last year to get this ready for deer. It’s still never been fired. Grabbed it a bit earlier this year so my son and I can use it.

I gave the front sight an ever so gentle tap on the dovetail and it just slid right out and dropped into my hand. The original owner apparently had it pushed over to the right because the fit is too loose. If I put it anywhere near center L to R I can slide it around with my fingers and it will drop right out.

I want to center and firmly secure the front sight and am looking for any suggestions. There are a couple of issues that have me wanting to move forward with this very carefully.

1- Both the Lyman Deerstalker and the 57SML sight involved here are discontinued and very hard to find in the condition my set is in. I can’t just order another sight or risk damaging the barrel.

2- This is going to be a woods gun but I like doing clean, quality work on my rifles. I want it to be secure enough to trust hunting/hold zero but don’t want an ugly blob of welding or adhesive either. It would need to be waterproof and temp resilient as well. Deer season can be bitter cold where I am.

So the challenge is tightening up that groove without being able to get any new parts. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated….

 

[Bad Karma]

I would take a small piece of brass shim stock and slide it into the dovetail under the sight base. Once it’s snug check the windage at the range, make a witness mark and then solder the works in place.

 

[ScottK]

Thank you. Will give that a try!

 

[Bad Karma]

Most hardware stores used to keep a selection of shim stock but if you can’t find it locally McMaster-Carr has an amazing selection and really fast shipping…

 

[morehops52]

I've also read, but haven't tried, that if you only need a little extra metal then you could use a punch(?) to stipple the flat. That little bit of texture allows for a good seat.

 

[deerstalkert]

should you not be able to find any shim stock, buy a set of feeler gauges at the auto parts store. this will give you a bunch of options. will also need some shears unless you are married, then you can sneak her good Fiskars and sleep alone for a month. don't ask.

 

[weewill]

I use a center punch to raise a little metal on the barrel . After you find the right place you can use red loctite to make sure it will not move .

 

[ScottK]

Thank you everyone. I used an amalgamation of everyone’s suggestions and made a nice, sturdy repair. Now to the range again this weekend to finish dialing in for deer season.

Appreciate the help!